2017 Christmas Family Shows in Manchester

You're probably still trying to get organised for this Christmas, so it may surprise you to hear that theatres around Manchester are already releasing tickets for Christmas shows for 2017 - and the best seats are already selling fast.

So if each year, you're left wondering why you left it so late to sort out a Christmas show for the family, why not get organised and get something in the calendar now – what a fabulous way to start 2017! Here's a round-up of what's going on in Manchester (so far) for Christmas 2017.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre

Dick Whittington

11 November 2017 – 6 January 2018

One of the region's best loves pantos, the Coliseum in Oldham traditionally releases its tickets for next year's panto on the day this year's panto opens. Next year's panto is Dick Whittington and the Coliseum promises us it will be packed with laugh-out-loud gags, thigh slapping songs, and a generous helping of "it's behind you's"!

Poor young lad Dick Whittington lives in the country but wants a life of adventure. He journeys to seek his fame and fortune in London with just his rat-catching cat as his only friend. Are the city's streets paved with gold? Will his path to the happily-ever-after be an easy one?

Dick Whittington has fabulous costumes, glitz and glamour, silliness and slapstick and hit songs to sing along to. This pantomime appeals to ALL the family, from kids to not-so-grown-up grown-ups. A great way to celebrate Christmas with friends and family.

Christmas isn't Christmas without a little bit of Nativity magic. Your favourite festive film is now a major new musical! Adapted for the stage by Debbie Isitt, the creator of the much-loved films, Nativity! The Musical is the perfect seasonal comedy for all the family.

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette's School, they're attempting to mount a musical version. Only trouble is Mr Maddens has promised that a Hollywood producer is coming to see the show to turn it into a film. Join him, his teaching assistant the crazy Mr Poppy, hilarious children, unruly animals and a whole lot of sparkle and shine as they struggle to make everyone's
Christmas wish come true.

Feel–good, funny and full of Yuletide joy, Nativity! The Musical features all the favourite sing-a-long hits from the films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment, She's the Brightest Star and a whole host of new songs filled with the spirit of Christmas. For ages 5 and up.

Following a smash hit, sell out in the West End, Elf the Musical spends Christmas 2017 at the Lowry.

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and had Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).
ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Tickets are already selling fast for this one, and can be purchased by visiting www.thelowry.com.

Stockport Plaza

Aladdin

1st December 2017- 7th January 2018
Take a magical carpet ride to the North West's home of sensational pantomime entertainment for the Plaza's glittering production of Aladdin.

Featuring breath-taking special effects, this affordable festive family treat is an absolute must for you, your friends, family or group to enjoy....oh yes it is!